Former ‘ex-gay’ comes out as gay
Randy Thomas, who once worked for Exodus International, has revealed that he is gay.
In a blog post, the ex-gay activist spoke of the turmoil he felt after the suicide of a friend and former partner forced him to re-evaluate his beliefs: “His death was shocking and I still mourn his passing. Michael had several difficult issues contributing to his suicide, and I know he also struggled with his faith and sexuality.
“His death shook me to my core and made all the questions I had been asking were even more stark, consequential, and pressing.”
“The truth is, that my primary sexual attraction is toward men. It is also true that to date the love of my life has been a woman. I was attracted to her in every way. Many people won’t believe me but what I just shared is true.”
He previously apologised to the LGBT community for his ex-gay activism. Exodus International was once the largest ex-gay organisation in the world. It closed down in 2013 and many of its former members have gone on to express support for LGBT rights and causes.
In September, Mr Thomas expressed his support for same-sex marriage, and said he was glad that courts across the US were striking down bans on same-sex marriage.
He spoke about his need to be honest now to himself: “Whether anyone cares, pays attention, approves, disapproves, friends or unfriends me isn’t the point. The point is that I need to stay true to how I am wired, be honest, and consistent with what I believe to be true in this regard.
“Writing this post is something I need to do as a part of taking personal responsibility for my past journey and being honest in my present reality.”
“Even though I have issued two apologies to the gay community and found my first sense of identity and community as a gay youth/young man, I am not sure many will accept my apologies or this disclosure. I would definitely understand some people’s reluctance given my history.
“That said, while I care about what others think, I am doing this because I feel it is the right thing to do.
“I am gay. I am ok with who I am. I hope we can continue to journey together.”
